Here is a photo essay done by the New York Times concerning the stained glass (Whitefriars)restoration project at St. Thomas Church in New York City. I'd be curious to hear your comments as this is stirring up a bit of controversy in the States

“the Fein knives are miraculous in their efficiency, cutting site-work hours dramatically. What would have taken eight hours to chop by hand took only 20 or 30 minutes with the power tool

Ultimately, the removal of "Music" took three and a half days, as opposed to our initial assessment of six weeks............. Bits of the fillets have been gathered and saved for matching and replicating in the studio, including part of the Powell signature”.

“the Fein knives are miraculous in their efficiency, cutting site-work hours dramatically. What would have taken eight hours to chop by hand took only 20 or 30 minutes with the power tool

Ultimately, the removal of "Music" took three and a half days, as opposed to our initial assessment of six weeks............. Bits of the fillets have been gathered and saved for matching and replicating in the studio, including part of the Powell signature”.

Aspestos was found in the setting compound. SO the stained glass people were not allowing to "chop" out the windows. They cut through the fillet borders, leaving behind all the setting compound in the stone groves..Aspestos abatement people than came in to clean out the groves.

Yes Vic, but they had allowed ample time (6 weeks) to carefully cut away the leaves of the calmes and remove the glass fillets whole, without disturbing the bedding compound. Which is exactly what they did with the rest of the window when they got the panels back to the work bench, five weeks earlier than expected!